Respiratory mask having a clean air inlet chamber

Abstract

A respiratory mask body defining a first chamber and a second chamber is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the mask body includes one or more inlet ports adapted to receive one or more breathing air source components in communication with the first chamber and a fluid intake communication component allows communication of air from the first chamber to the second chamber during inhalation by a wearer.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A respiratory mask, comprising:
 a mask body defining first and second chambers and having first and second inlet ports adapted to receive first and second breathing air source components; 
 a fluid intake communication component; and 
 a shut-off valve in fluid communication with the first and second chambers and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the shut-off valve is configured to prevent fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber when in the closed position, 
 wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first and second inlet ports and the second chamber defines a breathable air zone for a wearer, and wherein the fluid intake communication component is configured to allow communication of air from the first chamber to the second chamber through an inhalation port during inhalation by a wearer. 
 
     
     
       2. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid intake communication component comprises a diaphragm capable of moving between an open position and a closed position. 
     
     
       3. The respiratory mask of  claim 2 , wherein the fluid intake communication component comprises a sealing surface, and the diaphragm is in the closed position and biased towards the sealing surface in the absence of a negative pressure within the second chamber, and the diaphragm is in the open position to allow air to enter the second chamber from the first chamber during inhalation by a wearer. 
     
     
       4. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the mask body further comprises an inner wall dividing the first chamber from the second chamber. 
     
     
       5. The respiratory mask of  claim 4 , wherein the fluid intake communication component is positioned on the inner wall. 
     
     
       6. The respiratory breathing mask of  claim 1 , further comprising first and second filter cartridges attached to the mask body at the first and second inlet ports. 
     
     
       7. The respirator breathing mask of  claim 6 , wherein the filter cartridges each comprise a housing in which a filter element is contained. 
     
     
       8. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the shut-off valve comprises a sealing pad. 
     
     
       9. The respiratory mask of  claim 8 , wherein the fluid intake communication component comprises an inhalation port and a sealing surface surrounding the inhalation port, and the sealing pad contacts the sealing surface when the shut-off valve is in the closed position. 
     
     
       10. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the mask body comprises a central axis that divides the mask body into left and right halves and the fluid intake communication component is positioned proximate the central axis. 
     
     
       11. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second inlet ports are in fluid communication with only a single fluid intake communication component. 
     
     
       12. The respiratory breathing mask of  claim 1 , wherein the mask body comprises cheek portions, and the first and second inlet ports are located proximate the cheek portions. 
     
     
       13. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the mask body further comprises a compliant face contacting portion. 
     
     
       14. The respiratory mask of  claim 1 , wherein the shut-off valve is sealed within the mask body and does not allow external air to enter the first chamber when in the open position, closed position, or intermediate position. 
     
     
       15. A negative pressure respiratory mask, comprising:
 a mask body comprising first and second chambers and first and second inlet ports; 
 first and second filter cartridges attached to the mask body at the first and second inlet ports; 
 an inner wall dividing the first chamber from the second chamber; 
 an inhalation valve positioned on the inner wall at a central portion of the mask body; and 
 a shut-off valve in fluid communication with the first and second chambers and operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the shut-off valve is configured to prevent fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber when in the closed position, 
 wherein the first and second filter cartridges each have an outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber, the second chamber defines a breathable air zone for a wearer, and the inhalation valve allows communication of air from the first chamber to the second chamber during inhalation by a wearer. 
 
     
     
       16. The respiratory mask of  claim 15 , wherein the shut-off valve is sealed within the mask body and does not allow external air to enter the first chamber when in an open position, closed position, or intermediate position. 
     
     
       17. The respiratory mask of  claim 16 , wherein the first and second inlet ports are in fluid communication with only a single fluid intake communication component.